Manager – Spacecraft Thermal Engineering 

Job Summary  

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. 

The Thermal Control Department is a team of experienced, trusted engineers with deep expertise in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control systems from component to system level. The department performs technical studies, experimental investigations, and real–time assessments to inform and enable key decisions by our customers and their contractors. 

We are looking for a Manager – Spacecraft Thermal Engineering (Manager – Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) to lead the Thermal Design and Analysis Section within the Thermal Control Department.  They should have a strong background in the disciplines of heat transfer and thermal engineering and their applications to space systems; and direct experience in thermal design and analysis of spacecraft.  The successful applicant will support both classified and unclassified spacecraft programs with emphasis on classified systems.  They will lead, equip, and mentor staff as they engage and advocate for the best solutions, best practices, and best innovations in the thermal design discipline across the space enterprise, both inside and outside Aerospace.   

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead and manage the Thermal Design and Analysis section, which is responsible for providing accurate, timely thermal models and analysis results for space vehicle and space payload programs, including organizational ownership of key thermal software and tools. 

• Operate Strategically, planning and managing the training, development, and daily tasking of a team of 4-7 engineers. This includes: hiring and training staff, conducting performance reviews, optimizing employee productivity, and promoting professional growth 

• Deliver Results by ensuring the relevance, quality, and integrity of the technical products generated by the section, while meeting schedule and budget requirements 

• Lead Change, enhancing the section’s technical capabilities by developing or adopting new analytical or laboratory tools and improving knowledge management within the organization 

• Foster Innovation, identifying and encouraging research and development activities  

• Engage with Impact by increasing support and influence with existing and new customers and facilitating interaction and teamwork between section staff, department staff, and across Aerospace 

What You Need to be Successful – Manager – Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering 

Minimum Requirements: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences is required

• A minimum of (5) years thermal engineering experience is required 

• Experience analyzing and designing spaceflight thermal control systems for all relevant modes of heat transfer and through all phases of program lifecycle 

• Demonstrated initiative and excellent leadership skills, with proven ability to build and manage effective engineering teams 

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal and working relationships with various levels of corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors 

• Willing to travel occasionally to customer or contractor facilities approximately 10% time   

• This position requires a current and active Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance will be required (applicant will be submitted for this clearance upon hiring if they do not currently possess it). U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field is preferred 

• (8+) years thermal engineering experience is preferred

• Advanced knowledge of Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and at least one commercial thermal FEA software tool 

• Experience in thermal analysis code and algorithm development 

• Experience in one or more area of interdisciplinary thermal analysis: thermal distortion, STOP modeling, power-thermal, high-power RF systems, DITL- or DRM-based thermal analysis, contamination, and/or thermal energy systems modeling 

• Deep knowledge of thermodynamics, cryogenics, and two-phase thermophysics 

• Experience in adjacent engineering disciplines for spaceflight hardware: systems engineering, control systems, fluid or propulsion systems, material physics, electronics, and/or power systems 

• Experience leading projects on innovation, research, and development 

• A current and active TS/SCI clearance (SSBI), which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.